Is Voorhees, NJ Good for Young Professionals?

If you are a young professional looking at South Jersey, you have likely heard the buzz about Collingswood’s restaurant row or Haddonfield’s historic charm. But then you look at the rent prices or the square footage you get for your money, and you might start looking a few stops further down the line. That is where Voorhees enters the chat.

The short answer is yes, Voorhees is an excellent spot for young professionals, provided you know exactly what you are signing up for. It isn’t a walkable urban village with a coffee shop on every corner. Instead, it offers a “Peaceful Luxury” vibe. It is the strategic choice for people who prioritize having a modern apartment, easy parking, and a dedicated home office over living directly above a loud bar.

Think of Voorhees as your base of operations. You get the 25-minute train ride to Philadelphia, access to major medical employers like Cooper University Health Care and Virtua Health, and a quiet place to crash at night. It is significantly more spread out than its neighbors closer to the city, which means you will definitely need a car, but the trade-off is space, amenities, and a slightly more relaxed pace of life.

The Commute: Your Connection to Philadelphia

Let’s be real: if you are moving here and working in the city, your life is going to revolve around the PATCO Speedline. For many young professionals, this train system is the single biggest reason to choose Voorhees over other suburbs that lack rail access. It runs 24/7, which is a game-changer for late nights or irregular shifts.

Ashland Station is likely going to be your primary hub. It is located right off Evesham Road and serves the bulk of the township. The ride from Ashland to 15th/16th & Locust in Center City takes about 22 to 25 minutes. Parking here is generally easy; there is a gated lot that costs about $1.00 for morning commuters (always check the automated kiosk for current rates), but if you get there a bit later, the free spaces fill up fast.

Depending on where you rent, the Voorhees Town Center Station (formerly known as Echelon) might be walkable. This is a huge perk for residents in the adjacent apartment complexes, allowing you to ditch the car entirely for your workday commute.

If you are driving—perhaps for a reverse commute or to visit clients—you are well-positioned. You have immediate access to Route 73, which feeds directly into I-295 and the NJ Turnpike. Just keep in mind that Route 73 can get heavy during rush hour. For nights out where you don’t want to drive, you are in a sweet spot for ride-shares. An Uber or Lyft to Haddonfield or Collingswood for dinner is usually a quick, affordable trip, giving you access to that lifestyle without the headache of permit parking.

Vibe Check: Peaceful Luxury vs. Urban Energy

It is important to manage your expectations regarding the social scene. Voorhees is not a “party town.” You aren’t going to find underground clubs or a bustling main street that stays awake until 2 AM. This is where you come to sleep, recharge, and relax.

That said, you won’t be bored. The local social life revolves around upscale casual spots. Iron Hill Brewery at the Town Center is a staple for happy hours and weekend dinners. Dooney’s Pub and Ott’s are the go-to spots for catching an Eagles game or grabbing a beer with friends. These places have a strong local following and a lively atmosphere, even if they aren’t nightclubs.

For the “cool” factor, you are essentially outsourcing your nightlife. You are a 10 to 15-minute drive from the restaurant row in Collingswood or the boutiques in Haddonfield. Many young professionals prefer this setup: they enjoy the energy of those towns on a Friday night but prefer the quieter, more spacious environment of Voorhees for the other six days of the week.

If your lifestyle leans more toward wellness than wine bars, Voorhees shines. The area has a very high density of fitness centers, ranging from Edge Fitness to the massive Life Time Athletic nearby. Connolly Park is also a local favorite for running, dog walking, and summer concerts, offering plenty of green space to unwind after a shift at the hospital or the office.

Apartments & Housing: Where YPs Live

One of the biggest draws for young professionals is the inventory. Unlike the older housing stock in some neighboring boroughs, Voorhees has a lot of modern, amenity-rich apartment complexes. Most of the activity for this demographic centers around the “Echelon” area and the Town Center.

Luxury Rentals: If you are looking for that “hotel-style” living experience, Foster Square is often the top pick. It sits right next to the Town Center, meaning you can walk to Iron Hill Brewery or the PATCO station. These units typically feature modern finishes, elevators, and secure access. Another strong contender is The Premiere, which caters to the luxury market with pools, gyms, and resident lounges—amenities that are hard to find in older towns.

Mid-Range Options: For those who want to keep the budget tighter, complexes like Echelon Glen or The Vista offer solid value. You might trade granite countertops for laminate, but you still get the location benefits and proximity to the train.

Buying vs. Renting: If you are ready to buy, Voorhees is a smart market for starter homes. There is a healthy inventory of townhomes and condos that are often more attainable than the single-family bidding wars you might see in Haddonfield. It’s a common path for young professionals to rent at Foster Square for a year, get a feel for the area, and then buy a townhome nearby.

The Status of Voorhees Town Center

We have to address the elephant in the room: the Voorhees Town Center (formerly the Echelon Mall). If you Google it, you might see news about fires or vacancies. Here is the reality on the ground.

The interior of the mall is largely quiet and many storefronts are closed, though anchors like Boscov’s are still operating. However, do not let that scare you away from the neighborhood. The “Town Center” as a living concept is actually shifting toward a mixed-use residential hub.

The exterior strip, known as the Boulevard, is where the life is. This is where you find the restaurants, township offices, and residential entrances. Redevelopment plans are in the works (often citing partners like Hoboken Brownstone) to further transform the dead retail space into more housing and entertainment. For now, view it as a convenient transit and dining hub rather than a shopping destination.

Pros and Cons for Young Professionals

If you are trying to make a quick decision, here is how Voorhees stacks up for the career-focused demographic.

Pros:

• PATCO Access: Direct, reliable train service to Center City Philadelphia.
• Value: You generally get more square footage and better amenities (parking, pools, in-unit laundry) for your rent compared to Haddonfield.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Quiet, well-lit streets that are great for unwinding.
• Medical Hub: extremely convenient if you work for Cooper, Virtua, or Jefferson Health systems in NJ.

Cons:

• Car Dependent: Aside from the immediate Town Center area, you cannot really walk to run errands.
• Limited Walkability: It lacks a traditional “Main Street” for strolling.
• No Club Scene: Late-night entertainment is non-existent within town borders.
• Suburban Aesthetic: If you crave grit and industrial lofts, the manicured lawns of Voorhees might feel too “settled” for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Voorhees NJ safe for singles?

Voorhees is generally considered a quiet and established area with well-lit streets and active property management in the major apartment complexes. While no town is immune to issues, the high density of residential and commercial activity around the Town Center creates a settled environment that many single professionals find comfortable.

How long is the commute from Voorhees to Philadelphia?

On the PATCO Speedline, the train ride from Ashland or Voorhees Town Center stations to Center City Philadelphia takes approximately 22 to 25 minutes. If you are driving, it can take anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic at the Ben Franklin Bridge.

What is the best area in Voorhees for young adults?

The area surrounding the Voorhees Town Center and Echelon is the most popular spot for young adults. This neighborhood offers the highest concentration of apartments, walkability to the PATCO train, and immediate access to local bars and restaurants like Iron Hill Brewery.

Is Voorhees cheaper than Collingswood or Haddonfield?

Generally, yes. While luxury apartments in Voorhees can have price tags similar to older rentals in Haddonfield, you typically get more amenities (like parking and gyms) and space for your money in Voorhees. It offers a value alternative for those who don’t mind being a few train stops further out.